Read Online The Duke's Dark Secret (Historical Victorian Romance) by Emily Brant - Free Book Online

that?”
                  “You have my word.”
                  “Well.” He seemed to think it over. “All right then. You’re a fair man, Jeb Bradford. I’ll give you that.”
                  A crashing sound of pottery momentarily distracted Jeb and he looked up when he heard the clatter. Frank took the opportunity to draw and fire.
                  The bullet grazed Jeb’s cheek. It burned as it cut the skin. Almost reflexively, he squeezed the trigger on the rifle, and Frank Durant flew backwards, slamming into the wall behind him.
                  A man behind the bar tried to go for his gun, but Jeb cried out to him, holding out a hand. “Wait! Stop where you are.”
                  The bartender held very still, weighing his options. “I’m listening. Go on.”
                  “My business is done. I’ll give you the same deal I gave Frank, and I mean it. Come on, fellas. There’s other towns, other jobs. I’ll even give you time to pack. Just leave your guns where they are.”
                  The survivors looked at one another. The bartender walked away from his weapon, hands up. They all began shuffling by him, looking down and leaving quickly.
                  After they’d all gone, Jeb had a chance to look up at the second floor. Louisa was standing there, looking winded and relieved. “You’re here!” She called out in surprise.
                  “I am, Miss Louisa. And I see you’ve managed your own escape.”
                  “That I have.” She replied, and hurried down the stairs to him. “But I always appreciate your good help, Mr. Bradford!”
    *****
                  “This is nice.” Louisa proclaimed as they sat down by the river. Jeb had taken her by horseback to the quiet spot beneath a large shade tree.
                  “I’d hoped you’d feel that way, Miss Louisa.” He said. Jeb spread out a blanket and began to set out a spread of bread, cheese, meat, and fruits.
                  “I hope you aren’t too confident in yourself, Mr. Bradford.”
                  He chuckled. “I’d never be so bold. I do think at this point in our acquaintance it would be fine if you just called me Jeb, Miss Louisa.” He sat and offered a hand.
                  She sat down on the blanket beside him. “Very well, Jeb. But you must also call me Louisa.”
                  “I’ll do that, ma’am. Louisa, I mean. It may take a little getting you used to.”
                  “I don’t mind if you don’t, Jeb.” She murmured.
                  They sat quietly, enjoying their meal and watching the river roll by. Louisa was grateful for the silence. The violence and horror of the month before had unnerved her in many ways. But with Frank Durant’s reign of terror now a thing of the past, Oak Ridge was becoming a real town again. Business at the Daisy was booming. The Lucky Star hadn’t shut down overnight, but it’s activities were limited to being little more than a watering hole. The Sheriff had decided to enforce the law again, enforcing a curfew and putting an end to the gambling and the brothel. Things had gotten much better overall, as the last of the worst element went on to other parts of the West.
                  “You know, my sister has a funny idea.” Jeb said after they’d finished. “She thinks I might be falling in love with you.”
                  Louisa smiled, but her smile faded. “You shouldn’t tell jokes like that, Jeb.”
                  “I’m not joking. It’s what Ann thinks. She said as much after church services this past Sunday. Says it’s the way I look at you.”
                  Louisa’s gaze met his own green eyes. “And what do you think?”